China Visa

Need a Visa to visit China?

A visa is a travel document issued by authorized government agencies to foreign citizens applying to enter into, exit from, or transit through the host country’s territory based on the host country’s laws and regulations.

The travel professionals at Chinatour.com would be happy to helpfacilitate the processof obtaining a visa for you.

The procedure can vary depending on your nationality, sogive us a calland we can start the paperwork today!

In accordance with international law and practice, any sovereign state is entitled to decide on whether or not to allow a foreign citizen to enter into or exit from its territory, and whether to issue a visa, decline a China visa application, or to cancel an issued visa in accordance with its national laws.

Chinese consular officers are entitled to decide on the type, number of entries, validity and duration of each stay of a visa to be issued based on Chinese laws and regulations. Consular officers reserve the right to decline a China visa application or revoke an issued visa.

I. A Visa is required for a foreign citizen to visit China

Foreign citizens must obtain a Chinese visa before entry into China, with the exception of visa-free entry based on relevant agreements or regulations.

Please check the validity of your visa before traveling to China. If the visa has expired or the number of entries is not enough, you must apply for a new visa.

II. Visa Types

Chinese visas fall into four types: diplomatic visa, courtesy visa, service visa, and ordinary visa. Ordinary visas are further divided into the following categories:

Visa Categories

Description of Visa

C

Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.

D

Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.

F

Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.

Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

L

Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist.

M

Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.

Q1

Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days. “Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.

Q2

Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

R

Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.

S1

Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.

S2

Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

X1

Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.

X2

Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.

Z

Issued to those who intend to work in China.

III. Validity, Number of Entries and Duration of Each Stay of Chinese Visa

1. Visa Validity (“Enter Before”) means that the visa is valid, or can be used for entry into China from the date of issue to the “Enter Before” date indicated on the visa (Beijing Time). If a visa has unused entries, the bearer can enter China by 24:00 (Beijing Time) of the expiration date.

2. “Entries” refers to the number of times the bearer is permitted to enter China during the validity of a visa.

A visa to china becomes invalid if there are no entries left, or there are entries left but the visa validity expires. If a visa becomes invalid, its bearer must apply for a new visa before entering China. Traveling with an invalid visa to China will result in refusal of entry.

3.”Duration of Each Stay” refers to the maximum number of days the visa bearer is permitted to stay in China each time, which is calculated from the date of entry into China.

A foreign citizen who overstays the end date of his/her authorized stay in China without going through extension formalities is subject to fines and other penalties for violation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Control of the Entry and Exit of Aliens and its Detailed Rules for Implementation. If a visa bearer to stay in China longer than the duration of stay allowed on the visa, approval must be obtained from local public security authorities above the county level before the duration of stay expires. Approval of an extension of stay may or may not be granted. Please check the website of the local public security authorities in China for more information. Chinese Embassies and Consulates overseas are not authorized to extend a visa.

A bearer of a Work (Z) Visa, Student (X1)Visa Permanent, Resident (D) Visa, Family Reunion(Q1,S1) Visa or Resident Journalist (J-1)Visa must apply for a residence permit at the local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China. Members of foreign diplomatic or consular missions in China must apply for a residence permit at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local foreign affairs departments within 30 days of entry into China.

IV. Visa-free Entry

A foreign citizen can enter China without a visa under any one of the following circumstances:

1. Direct TransitA foreign citizen who is transiting through China by air is exempted from a visa if he/she will stay only in the airport for no more than 24 hours and has a valid connecting ticket with confirmed seating on an international flight.

Citizens with a passport or other international travel document, confirmed interline ticket and valid visa to the third country or region (if required) of the following 45 countries, can apply to stay in Beijing or Shanghai for 72 hours without visa on direct transit via Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport from January 1,2013:

Citizens with passport or other international travel document, confirmed interline ticket and valid visa to the third country or region (if required) of the following 45 countries, can apply to stay in Guangdong Province for 72 hours without visa on direct transit via Guangzhou Baiyun Airport from August 1, 2013:

2. Visiting the Pearl River Delta or Hainan Island(1) A foreign citizen holding an ordinary passport issued by any country with diplomatic relations with China is exempted from a visa if he or she is already in Hong Kong or Macao and joins a tourist group organized by a travel agency, which is registered in Hong Kong or Macao, for a visit to the Pearl River Delta region (including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing and Huizhou ) and his/her stay is no more than 6 days.

(2) A foreign citizen holding an ordinary passport issued by any of the following countries is exempted from a visa if he or she joins a tourist group (of 5 or more persons) organized by an international travel agency registered in Hainan with the approval of China National Tourism Administration to visit Hainan Province and his/her stay is no more than 15 days: Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the U.K., Ukraine and the U.S.Citizens of Germany, Republic of Korea and Russia may join an international tourist group (of 2 or more persons) and can stay up to 21 days.

3. Citizens of Singapore, Brunei and JapanA citizen of Singapore, Brunei or Japan with an ordinary passport is exempted from a visa if he/she visits China’s mainland for tourism purpose, business, or meeting with friends or relatives, enters China through ports open to foreigners, and stays for no more than 15 days.However, a visa is required for citizens of these three countries under any of the following circumstances:(1) An ordinary passport holder visits China for tourism purpose, business, or meeting with friends or relatives, and stays for more than 15 days.(2) An ordinary passport holder visits China for the purpose of study, work, permanent residency, official visits and news coverage.(3) A Japanese citizen travels with a diplomatic or official passport.

4. Holders of Valid APEC Business Travel CardThe APEC Business Travel Card is a substitute of a multiple-entry visa valid for 3 years. A card holder who presents a valid passport of the same person at the same time can enter China multiple times during the validity of the card for a stay of no more than 2 months each time.

5. Foreigner’s Permanent Residence Card Holders

6. Holders of Residence Permit for Foreigners issued by the Ministry of Public SecurityForeign citizens entering China for the purpose of study or employment or as resident foreign journalists must apply for a residence permit at local public security authorities within 30 days of entry into China. Permit holders may stay in China and enter or exit China multiple times without the need of a visa during the validity period of the permit.

7. Bilateral AgreementBased on bilateral agreements signed or reached between China and foreign countries, foreign citizens of some countries who meet certain requirements may visit China without a visa. Please see the list of agreements on visa exemption signed between China and foreign countries for more information.

8. China’s 72- and 144-Hour Transit without Visa Programs

China’s transit without visa (TWOV) programs allow a traveler arriving at certain ports of entry to be admitted to China and stay within a specified geographic area for 72 or 144 hours visa-free before continuing their journey to a third country (or region).

Designated Ports of Entry

The transit without visa programs are only in effect at ports of entry designated by the State Council.

Requirements1. Passport (or other international travel document) must be issued by a listed country:Europe–Schengen countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.Europe–Other countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Great Britain, Ireland, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine.Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Mexico, and United States.Oceania: Australia and New Zealand.Asia: Brunei, Japan, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates.2. Traveler must be arriving at a designated port of entry to China.3. Traveler must have a ticket proving onward travel to a “third country or region” (not the originating country and not in Mainland China) with a confirmed date and seat within the time limit. The arriving and departing tickets may be on different airlines. For the 72-hour program, the onward flight must leave from the same city where you arrived. For the 144-hour program, the onward transportation may be from any of the designated ports in Shanghai, Nanjing Lukou Airport, or Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport. If required, you must also possess a visa for the third country or region.The term “region” here is a term of art which refers to disputed states (e.g., Taiwan) and subnational entities (e.g., Hong Kong and Macau). So, for example, New York -> Beijing -> Hong Kong would qualify. (But note that New York -> Beijing -> Guam does not qualify, per Timatic).Note that the third country or region must not be the originating country. For example, New York -> Beijing -> New York does not qualify, but New York -> Beijing -> Tokyo -> New York does qualify.Duration of stop in third country is irrelevant (e.g., LAX ->PVG -> NRT -> LAX is OK, even if NRT stop is for only a few hours).Your departing transportation must not make a further stop in China, even if you are not required to change planes. For example, Beijing -> Kunming -> Hanoi doesn’t qualify.4. That onward flight must be scheduled to depart within the time limit. How are the 72 or 144 hours counted? Per Timatic: PEK, KWL, HRB, KMG, and SHE count the 72 hours between scheduled arrival and scheduled departure.Other cities count the 72 hours starting from 0:01 on the day following entry (when the visa waiver is granted).5. You must not depart the specified geographic area for which the visa waiver is approved. (See above).

V. Visa Application Guidelines

I. Basic Materials to Be Submitted for Application

(1) PassportOriginal passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate.

(2) Visa Application Form and PhotoOne completed Visa Application Form with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background attached

(3) Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)If you are not applying for the visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates or visa of stay, residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal staying provided by the relevant authorities of the country where you are currently staying.

(4) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign citizensthose who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide your previous Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have obtained Chinese visas before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of the previous passport’s data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page. (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change.)

II. Additional Materials to Be Submitted and Special Explanations

C VisaA letter of guarantee issued by a foreign transport company or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity in China. Crew members of the following 11 airline companies may apply for multiple-entry C Visa valid for two years: United Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, UPS, Federal Express, Polar Air Cargo, Evergreen Air Cargo, Kalitta Air Inc., Southern Air Inc. and World Airways Inc.

* The Chinese Embassy will issue single-entry or double-entry visas or multiple-entry visas valid for 6 months for crew members of other airline companies on a case-by-case basis.

D VisaThe original and photocopy of the Confirmation Form for Foreigners Permanent Residence Status issued by the Ministry of Public Security of China. We kindly remind you that:

Holders of D Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits.

F VisaAn invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)(2) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

G VisaAn onward air (train or ship) ticket with confirmed date and seat to the destination country or region.

J1 VisaVisa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete relevant formalities. We kindly remind you that:

Holders of J1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits.

J2 VisaVisa Notification Letter issued by the Information Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China or other authorized units in China and an official letter issued by the media organization for which the journalist works.

Applicants should contact the press section of the Chinese Embassy/Consulate General in advance and complete the required formalities.

L VisaDocuments showing the itinerary including air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation, etc. or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:(1) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)(2) Information on the planned visit (arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, etc.)(3) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

M Visa(1) Documents on the commercial activity issued by a trade partner in China, or trade fair invitation or other invitation letters issued by relevant entity or individual. The invitation letter should contain:

b) Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

c) Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

Q1 VisaFor family reunion, the following documents are required:

(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID of the inviting individual or foreign passport and permanent residence permit.

(3) Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and inviting individual.

(1)Foster entrustment notarization issued by Chinese Embassies/Consulates General in foreign countries or Foster Care Power of Attorney notarized and authenticated in the country of residence or in China

(2)Original and photocopy of the consignor’s passport(s), as well as the original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) notarized and authenticated certification showing the relationship between parents or guardians and children.

(3) A letter of consent on foster care issued by the trustee living in China who has agreed to provide foster care services and a photocopy of the ID of the trustee.

(4) A photocopy of the certificate indicating the permanent residence status abroad of the parent(s) when the child was born, provided that either or both parents of the child are Chinese citizens.

We kindly remind you that:Holders of Q1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits.

Q2 Visa(1) An invitation letter issued by a Chinese citizen or a foreign citizen with a Chinese permanent residence permit who lives in China. The invitation letter should contain:a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures)c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact number, address, signature etc.)

(2) Photocopy of Chinese ID or foreign passport and permanent residence permit of the inviting individual

R VisaThe applicant should submit relevant certification in accordance with relevent regualtions, and meet the relevant requirements of the competent authorities of the Chinese government on high-level talents and individualnel with special skills urgently needed by China,

S1 Visa(1) An invitation letter from the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place of intended residence, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual’s passport and residence permit(3)Original and photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate, certification of kinship issued by Public Security Bureau or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of immediate family members between applicants and inviting individual.“immediate family members ” refers to spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18, parents-in-law.We kindly remind you that:Holders of S1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits.

S2-VisaFor visiting family members for a short period, the following documents are required:(1)An invitation letter issued by the inviting individual (a foreigner who stays or resides in China for work or studies) which contains:a) Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)b) Information on the visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting individual, financial source for expenditures, etc.)c) Information on the inviting individual (name, contact telephone number, address, signature, etc.)(2) A photocopy of the inviting individual’s (a foreigner who stays or lives in China for work or studies) passport and residence permit(3) Photocopy of certification (marriage certificate, birth certificate or notarized certification of kinship) showing the relationship of family members between the applicant and the inviting individual.“Family members” refers to spouses, parents, sons, daughters, spouses of sons or daughters, brothers, sisters, grandparents, grandsons, granddaughters and parents-in-law.For private affairs, documentation identifying the nature of the private affairs should be provided as required by the consular officer.

X1-Visa(1) Original and photocopy of the Admission Letter issued by a school or other entities in China.(2) Original and photocopy of “Visa Application for Study in China” (Form JW201 or Form JW202).We kindly remind you that:Holders of X1 Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits.

X2-VisaOriginal and photocopy of Admission Notice issued by a school or other entities in China.

Z-VisaOne of the following documents:(1) Foreigners Employment Permit of the People’s Republic of China issued by Chinese government authorities for Human Resources and Social Security, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.(2) Permit for Foreign Experts Working in China issued by the State Bureau of Foreign Experts as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.(3) Registration Certificate of Resident Representative Offices of enterprises of foreign countries(regions) issued by Chinese authorities of industrial and commercial administration, as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities as well as Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Chinese entities.(4) An approval document for commercial performances issued by the Chinese government authorities for cultural affairs or Invitation Letter of Duly Authorized Entity or Confirmation Letter of Invitation issued by relevant Foreign Affairs Office of provincial governments of China.(5)Letter of Invitation to Foreigners for Offshore Petroleum Operations in China issued by China National Offshore Oil Corporation;We kindly remind you that:Holders of Z Visa shall, within 30 days from the date of their entry, apply to the exit/entry administrations of public security organs under local people’s governments at or above the county level in the proposed places of residence for foreigners’ residence permits.

3. Special Reminder(1) The invitation letter may be in the form of fax, photocopy or computer printout, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original of the invitation letter..(2) If necessary, the consular officer may require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, or require an interview with the applicant.(3) The consular officer will decide on whether or not to issue the visa and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.(4) For further details, please visit the web-site of the relevant Chinese Embassy or Consulate General.

4. Additional documents if deemed necessary by visa officers.

III. How to apply

1. Locate the Visa Office of the Embassy / Consulate General which holds consular jurisdiction over the state in which you reside. You may either submit your application in person, or you may entrust someone else or a travel/visa agent to submit your application at the visa office.2. If necessary, the applicant should go to the Embassy/Consulate-General for an interview or verification of the signature on application documents upon notification by the Embassy/Consulate-General.3. Mailed applications are not accepted.4. No appointment is required.

IV. Processing Time

1. Regular service: Visas can be obtained on the fourth business day .2. Express service: Visas can be obtained on the second or third business day (approval required).3. Same-day rush service: Visas can be obtained on the same day. (Visas will be granted in the afternoon of the same day if Applications are made before 12:00 p.m. , for which approval is required.)

VI. China Visa Fees

A. Consulate & Service FeesPlease check the following table for Chinese consulate fee and our service fee:— China Visa service for Tourist and Business:

Note: *If applications require Urgent (Same-day) service or Rush service. The application must be received before 10:30 AM. You must send your documents using Fedex Priority Overnight Service or UPS Next Day Service only. Applications received after 10:30 AM will be processed the next business day. And the most important is please give us a call to make sure of everything before you send it.

Visa Processing Time1. The regular processing time is 5 working days.2. Express service: 2-3 working days processing, an additional fee of $20 will be charged per visa by the visa offices.3. Same day rush service: emergency only, an additional fee of $30 will be charged per visa by the visa offices.

Validity of VisaThe validity of a Chinese visa spans from 3 to 24 months, which depends on the visa type applied. A single entry Chinese visa is usually valid for 3 months from the date of issue, double entry visa, 6 months, and a multiple entry visa, 6, 12 or 24 months. It becomes invalid if there is no entries left or there is entry but the validity expires. You have to apply for a new China visa if your visa become invalid. You will be refused to enter China if you hold the invalid visa.

please cal +1 949 771 9777 or e-mail us at info@chinatour.com for 72 or 144 hours Visa Free Policy, 10 year multiple entry Visa and Single Entry Group Visa

Duration of Each StayThe duration of stay is specified on the Chinese visa, which ranges from 30 to 60 days. Under special request agreed, the duration of stay could be 90 or 180 days. Visa holders should stay within the specified duration. If wanting to stay more, extending your visas are required. Approval of extentions of China visa may or may not be granted. If a foreign citizen overstays the end date allowed on his/her visa, he/she will be subject to fines and other penalties for violation of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Control of the Entry and Exit of Aliens and its Detailed Rules for Implementation.